A programmable light timer for implementing a timing pattern is described. The programmable light timer comprises an actuator on a user interface of the programmable light timer enabling a selection of a time for the programmable light timer; a control circuit coupled to the actuator; a display coupled to the control circuit, wherein a time selected by the actuator is provided on the display; a first button on the user interface of the programmable light timer, wherein the first button is programmable to have an on time; and a second button on the user interface of the programmable light timer, wherein the second button is programmable to have an off time. A method of implementing a timing pattern on a programmable light timer is also described.